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Ellina Mhlanga–Senior Sports Reporter
HEAD coach for junior and youth teams Briad Nhubu says they are hoping to make the best of their week-long camp to ensure athletes are ready for the African Under-18 and Under-20 combined championships.
The continental meet is set for Ndola, Zambia from April 29 to May 3. Zimbabwe are fielding both Under-18 (youth) and Under-20 (juniors).
The athletes are expected to go into camp today in Harare and it will run until their departure on Thursday. The boys will be staying at Allan Wilson and girls will be at Queen Elizabeth.
“Given the short period we will have them in camp, we will dwell on technical aspects that can be corrected within the period. Fortunately, that we are still in the competition phase, most athletes are in good shape as reflected by the junior and youth championships in Bulawayo last weekend.
“CAA (Confederation of African Athletics) is a very high level and competitive stage, and as such we would expect our athletes to perform well because they will be triggered by their counter parts.
“Of course, any competition is new to all participants and we are also hopeful that some of our top athletes can be in the podium finish zone.
“I am optimistic that we can help athletes in camp mainly on the critical component of mental strength.
“The athletes need a proper psyche, so that they have that strong conviction of being equal to their counterparts, hence that self-assertion and self-esteem can make them participate, focused and confident of their capabilities,” said Nhubu.
Some of the juniors participated at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region Five Youth Games in Malawi last December.
They include Panashe Nhenga, Denzel Simusialela, David Nyamufarira, Anesu Makuwatsine, Linnette Zembe, Privilege Bower, Samkeliso Ndebele, Thelma Majinjwa, Brenda Njodzi, Rujeko Munetsi among others.
The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe entered a total of 56 athletes for the meet.
“There are 26 youths and 30 juniors we had registered and look forward to travel with if all secure passports in time especially the youths where we still had cases of some yet to have the documents in place
“Our specific targets are for our athletes to attain their best performances, setting new PBs would be great development. Also participating in the finals is our target for juniors such as Nhenga, Denzel, Anesu and David.
“Females like Privilege and Samkeliso are also some athletes we hope could push to the finals.
“In the youth category, it’s a new page for all teams. So our athletes such as Tauyah Trevor 100m and Alpha Mpofu 400m could make the grade for semis and possibly finals if they perform as they did at NASH and NAAZ junior championships.
“l am happy that l will be traveling with some renowned national coaches with good experience and knowledge of high level competitions. Among them l will be with coach Aaron Whyte, Shadreck Chatunga and Cuthbert Nyasango.
“The vast experience they have would be of great value in harnessing all the opportunities around us.” The continental championships present the rising athletes an opportunity to earn scholarships depending on their performances.
Online Reporter